The right burr for the right use??

[riodot]

I have been carving with a High speed handpiece for almost 5 years but have recently added a larger, high torque carving system to my arsenal.

I want to get into carving larger pieces like mantels for example. I picked up a NSK E Max Evolution system and it can use 3/32 & 1/8 burrs.

Just learning to use this tools. - It has worked for a couple projects but choosing the correct burr for the job you need to accomplish takes some trial & error. I have bought a few power carving books for research on this topic.

Hoping for some feedback - I am looking for some suggestions, in both sized of burrs, as to shape, types, and brands of burrs to move out alot of wood when I am first shaping both flat relief and 3D carving . Your experienced feedback would be appreciated

Thanks,

Lance

[Donsexton]

find I go to the same three shapes of burrs no matter what size they are: flame, ball or sphere, and long taper. I do use more shapes but not nearly as much I also use drum sanding and small flap wheels. Now these are the burrs I use in my dremel and flex shaft tools. In my big powerful die grinders I use SaburrTooth cups and bull nose burrs up to 2” in diameter. Your question is very much up to the carver and you will learn what you like depending on your style. I carve very aggressive and the burrs I use may not work well for you.

[telecarver]

If you need to move a lot of wood, use a flex shaft tool with a handpiece that accepts 1/4"shanks or a large 1/4" die grinder. For large rough out work I use 1/4" shank Saburr Bits. I like the 1 1/2" course roto-saw and the large course flame shape.

For detail work there are a myriad of choices depending on your style of carving and the amount of detail you desire.

[riodot]

Donsexton,
Thanks for the feedback on shapes - that collection of shapes make perfect sense. I will take a look at SaBurr tooth bits also.

Telecarver,
I may have to look into that type of carver in the future when i start to master this one.

Lance